Method of treating acne

ABSTRACT

Compounds of the following general formula are useful in treating acne: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH 2  OR 1  ; each of R 1  and R 2  is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R 3  is hydrogen; or R 2  and R 3  together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to methods of treating acne and oily skin and pharmaceutical compositions useful for said treatment.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

It is well established that acne is associated with sebum production and that androgens stimulate sebum production whereas estrogens suppress sebum production, estrogen therapy being indicated as a possible means of treating acne. Several reports indicate that oral contraceptives or the individual active estrogenic components thereof, for example, ethinyl estradiol and derivatives are useful in treating acne in both males and females. In recent years it has become apparent that estrogenic products currently in use possess certain undesirable side effects which must be set against the undoubted benefits resulting from their use. The use of estrogens for the treatment of acne in women can lead to uterine bleeding and spotting and breast tenderness. In men estrogen administration can have a feminizing effect and may result in gynecomastia and impotence (L. F. Goodman and A. Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 4th Ed., The MacMillan Company, p. 1547 (1970)). Estrogenic therapy has been reported to give rise to other deleterious side effects. For example, diethylstilbestrol, a once widely used and well established estrogen has been implicated as possibly being responsible for vaginal cancer and adenosis in the female offspring of pregnant women treated with the the compound (Lancet 1975, 1960). Also, ethinyl estradiol and mestranol, which represent estrogenic compounds in current oral contraceptives, are now known to be involved in certain serious side effects associated with oral contraceptives including depression (Nature 243, 58 (1973)), hypertension (Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 112, 912 (1972)), carbohydrate and lipid abnormalities (Lancet 1969, October 11, p. 783), interference with blood clotting mechanism resulting in thrombosis and stroke (Ann. Intern. Med. 72, 111 (1970)), and jaundice (Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 119, 165 (1974)). Consequently, there is a need for an improved method of treating acne.

The present invention provides a novel and improved method of treating acne which comprises administering androstene compounds described more fully hereinbelow. Some of the compounds employed in this invention, for example, 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione and the 19-oxo derivative thereof have been involved in numerous in vitro studies wherein their role in the metabolism of androgen has been investigated. Additionally, 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione is reported to have been administered to two healthy male subjects each twenty-one years of age (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 28, 1401 (1968)). To applicants' knowledge the use of the compounds employed in the present invention in the treatment of acne has not been taught or suggested heretofore.

Also, 3-oxo-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-19-al has been reported in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,235,573, issued Feb. 15, 1966, and 3,449,381, issued June 10, 1969 wherein the utilities disclosed are anabolic-androgenic activity, inhibition of pituitary gonadotrophins and adrenocorticotrophin, antiestrogenic, blood, liver and adrenal cholesterol lowering properties, control of fertility and psychotic conditions, and appetite stimulants.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of treating acne and oily skin by administering a compound of the following general formula: ##STR2## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

This invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations suitable for use in treating acne or oily skin. Thus, in addition to relating to a method of treating acne and oily skin this invention also relates to anti-acne and anti-seborrheic pharmaceutical preparations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As used herein the term acne is intended to mean any inflammatory disease or condition of the sebaceous gland commonly occurring at puberty resulting in comedones, pustules, papules, inflamed nodules or infected cysts. The compounds of general Formula I are effective in reducing the amount of sebum produced by sebaceous glands. Thus, the compounds employed in the present invention are antiacne and anti-seborrheic agents. The compounds of general Formula I can be administered to a patient having an acne condition or an oily skin condition representing a novel method of treating acne which offers distinct advantages over previously employed methods of treatment, for example, estrogen therapy, in that the compounds employed do not result in certain deleterious side effects resulting with estrogen therapy as will become more apparent hereinafter.

In the compounds of general Formula I the term alkylcarbonyl is taken to mean a group of the structure ##STR3## wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and can be a straight chain or a branched chain. Illustrative examples of the alkyl moiety in the substituent alkylcarbonyl group are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, pivalyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2,4-dimethyloctyl, undecyl, 9-methylundecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, dodecyl, 2,4,6-trimethyldecyl, heptadecyl, decyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and didecyl.

The term benzoyl as used in reference to the compounds of general Formula I is taken to mean the group ##STR4##

The term phenylalkylcarbonyl as used in reference to the compounds of general Formula I is taken to mean a substituent group of the structure ##STR5## wherein the alkyl moiety, which may also be referred to as an alkylene moiety, has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and can be a straight chain or a branched chain. Illustrative examples of the alkyl moiety in the substituent phenylalkylcarbonyl group are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, hexyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl and neopentyl.

Illustrative examples of cycloalkylcarbonyl groups which R₁ and R₂ may be are cyclopentanecarbonyl, cyclohexanecarbonyl, cyclooctanecarbonyl, 1- or 2-norbornanecarbonyl and 1- or 2-adamantanecarbonyl.

It is apparent from the foregoing general Formula I that the compounds employed in the instant invention are androst-4-ene-3,17-diones having a --CH₂ OR₁ or --CHO group at the 10β-position as represented respectively by the following general Formulas II and III, or are 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one derivatives or esters thereof as defined by R₂ having a --CH₂ OR₁ or --CHO group present at the 10β-position as represented respectively by the following general Formulas IV and V: ##STR6##

In general Formulas II and IV R₁ is hydrogen or alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms as defined hereinabove.

In general Formulas IV and V the hydrogen atom attached to the 17- position is in the alpha position, and R₂ is hydrogen or alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or, cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms as defined hereinabove.

The use of the compounds as represented by each of general Formulas II and III in the treatment of acne and of oily skin represent preferred embodiments of this invention. The use in the treatment of acne and oily skin of the compounds of general Formula III represents a more specifically preferred embodiment of this invention. Other embodiments of this invention are the use of the compounds as represented by general Formulas IV and V in the treatment of acne and oily skin with the use of the compounds of general Formula IV wherein R₁ and R₂ each represent hydrogen and the compounds of general Formula V wherein R₂ represents hydrogen being more preferred embodiments.

Illustrative examples of compounds employed in the present invention are 17β,19-bis(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one, 17β,19-bis(1-oxodidecyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one, 17β,19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, 19-hydroxy-17β-(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one, 19-hydroxy-17β-(1-oxohexadecyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one, 19-acetoxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, 19-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, 3-oxo-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-19-al, 19-(1-adamantanylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, 19-(1-norbornylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, 19-(1-cyclopentylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al and 3-oxo-17β-(1-adamantanylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-en-19-al.

The compounds employed in the present invention can be administered in various manners to achieve the desired effect. The compounds can be administered alone or in the form of pharmaceutical preparations to the patient being treated either orally, parenterally, that is, subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or topically. The amount of compound administered will vary with the severity of the acne or oily skin condition and the mode of administration. For oral administration the effective amount, that is, the anti-acne or anti-seborrheic effective amount of compound is from 0.01 mg/kg up to 3.0 mg/kg, and preferably from 0.1 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg; for parenteral administration, that is, subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, from 0.01 mg/kg up to 1.0 mg/kg and preferably from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg. For topical administration the anti-acne or anti-seborrheic effective amount of the compounds employed in the present invention on a percent basis is from 0.001% to 5% and preferably from 0.005% to 1%.

For oral administration a unit dosage may contain, for example, from 10 to 100 mg of the active ingredient. For parenteral administration a unit dosage may contain, for example, from 5 to 50 mg of the active ingredient. Repetitive daily administration of the compounds may be desired and will vary with the condition of the patient and the mode of administration.

As used herein the term patient is taken to mean a warm blooded mammal, for example, primates, human males and females having an acne condition or an oily skin condition in need of treatment.

For oral administration the compounds can be formulated into solid or liquid preparations such as capsules, pills, tablets, troches, powders, solutions, suspensions or emulsions. The compounds can be applied in the form of an aerosol containing finely divided particles of the active ingredient or a solution, suspension or emulsion of the active ingredient. The solid unit dosage forms can be a capsule which can be of the ordinary gelatin type containing a compound of general Formula I and a carrier, for example, lubricants and inert filler such as lactose, sucrose, and corn starch. In another embodiment the compounds of general Formula I can be tableted with conventional tablet bases such as lactose, sucrose and corn starch in combination with binders such as acacia, corn starch or gelatin, disintegrating agents such as potato starch or alginic acid, and a lubricant such as stearic acid or magnesium stearate.

For parenteral administration the compounds may be administered as injectable dosages of a solution or suspension of the compound in a physiologically acceptable diluent with a pharmaceutical carrier which can be a sterile liquid such as water and oils with or without the addition of a surfactant and other pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. Illustrative of oils which can be employed in these preparations are those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, and mineral oil. In general water, saline, aqueous dextrose, and related sugar solutions, ethanols and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions.

The compounds can be administered in the form of a depot injection or implant preparation which may be formulated in such a manner as to permit a sustained release of the active ingredient. The active ingredient can be compressed into pellets or small cylinders and implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly as depot injections or implants. Implants may employ inert materials such as biodegradable polymers or synthetic silicones, for example, Silastic, silicone rubber manufactured by the Dow-Corning Corporation.

For topical administration the formulated active ingredient can be applied directly to the site requiring treatment or it can be applied to a mucosal membrane such as the oral or nasal mucosa. Applicator sticks carrying the formulation may be employed in administering the compounds. The topical formulation can be, for example, in the form of a solution, suspension, emulsion, gel or cream of either the oil in water or water in oil type, ointment, paste, jelly, paint or powder. Suitable bases for the topical preparation may be of any conventional type such as oleaginous bases, for example, olive oil, cottonseed oil, petrolatum, white petrolatum, mineral oils, silicones, such as, dimethylpolysiloxane or methyl phenylpolysiloxane, lanolins, polyethylene glycol, glyceryl monostearate, methyl cellulose and hydroxy methyl cellulose. The topical formulation may contain pharmaceutically acceptable surfactants, wetting agents, dispersing agents, emulsifiers, penetrants, emollients, detergents, hardeners, preservatives, fillers, antioxidants, perfumes, cooling agents, such as, methanol, soothing agents, such as, camphor, or coloring agents, such as zinc oxide. Aerosol preparations of a solution, suspension or emulsion containing the active ingredient or an aerosol containing the active ingredient in the form of a finely ground powder can also be employed for topical administration. The aerosols may be packaged in a pressurized aerosol container together with a gaseous or liquified propellant, for example, dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane with dichlorodifluoroethane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or propane with the usual adjuvant such as cosolvent and wetting agents as may be necessary or desirable. The compounds may also be administered in a nonpressurized form such as in a nebulizer or atomizer.

When topical treatment is desired, or when a rapid anti-acne or anti-seborrheic effect is desired it will generally be more convenient to use compounds of general Formula I wherein each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen.

Following are illustrative pharmaceutical formulations which may be employed in practicing the present invention:

                  Solution                                                         ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                           0.85    g                                              Alcohol                 78.9    ml                                             Isopropyl Myristate     5.0     g                                              Polyethylene Glycol 400 10.0    g                                              Purified Water qs ad    100     ml                                             ______________________________________                                    

Combine the alcohol, isopropyl myristate and polyethylene glycol 400 and dissolve the drug substance therein. Add sufficient purified water to give 100 ml.

                  A Gel                                                            ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                            0.85    g                                             Alcohol                  78.9    ml                                            Isopropyl Myristate      5.0     g                                             Polyethylene Glycol 400  10.0    g                                             Carbopol 940 (Carboxypolymethylene)                                                                     0.75    g                                             Triethylamine                    qs                                            Purified Water qs ad     85      g                                             ______________________________________                                    

Disperse the Carbopol 940 in the isopropyl myristate. To 38 ml of alcohol add 7 ml of purified water and the polyethylene glycol 400 and mix. Combine the two phases and mix until well dispersed. Add sufficient triethylamine to give a neutral pH. Dissolve the drug substance in the balance of the alcohol and mix well into the batch. Add and mix sufficient purified water to provide 85 g of finished product.

                  Applicator Stick                                                 ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                           0.85    g                                              Absolute Alcohol        75      ml                                             Polyethylene Glycol 400 10.0    g                                              Isopropyl Myristate     5.0     g                                              Stearic Acid            4.3     g                                              Sodium Hydroxide        0.55    g                                              Purified Water qs ad    85      g                                              ______________________________________                                    

Combine the absolute alcohol, polyethylene glycol 400 and isopropyl myristate and dissolve the drug substance therein. Add the stearic acid and heat the mixture to about 65° C. Dissolve the sodium hydroxide in a small amount of water, add and mix. Add sufficient water to provide 85 g of finished product. Pour into suitable moulds and allow to solidify.

                  Aerosol Foam                                                     ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                            1.0     g                                             Propylene Glycol         96.0    g                                             Emulsifying Wax NF XIV   3.0     g                                             Dichlorodifluoromethane:cryofluorane                                                                    6.9     g                                             (20:80)                                                                        ______________________________________                                    

Dissolve the drug substance in the propylene glycol. Add the emulsifying wax and heat to approximately 70° C. Stir while cooling to room temperature. Charge a suitable aerosol unit with this concentrate and 6.9 g of dichlorodifluoromethane:cryofluorane (20:80).

                  Tablet                                                           ______________________________________                                                              For 15,000                                                3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                    Fine Powder           75       g                                              Lactose                1.216    Kg                                             Corn Starch            0.3      Kg                                             ______________________________________                                    

Mix the active ingredient, the lactose and corn starch uniformly. Granulate with 10% starch paste. Dry to a moisture content of about 2.5%. Screen through a No. 12 mesh screen. Add and mix the following:

    ______________________________________                                         Magnesium Stearate      0.015 Kg                                               Corn Starch qs ad       1.725 Kg                                               ______________________________________                                    

Compress on a suitable tablet machine to a weight of 0.115 g/tablet.

                  Soft Gelatin Capsule                                             ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                           0.25     Kg                                            Polysorbate 80          0.25     Kg                                            Corn Oil qs ad          25.0     Kg                                            ______________________________________                                    

Mix and fill into 50,000 soft gelatin capsules.

                  IM Depot Injection                                               ______________________________________                                         Each 1 ml contains the following:                                              3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                            5.0     mg                                            Anhydrous Chlorobutanol  5.0     mg                                            Aluminum Monostearate    50.0    mg                                            Peanut Oil qs ad         1.0     ml                                            ______________________________________                                    

Dissolve or disperse the ingredients in the peanut oil.

                  Depot - Implant                                                  ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al micronized                                                                  5       mg                                           Dimethylsiloxane          240     mg                                           Catalyst qs                                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Disperse the drug substance in the fluid dimethylsiloxane. Add the catalyst and cast into a suitable monolytic structure.

Alternatively, the drug substance may be enclosed by a precast polydimethylsiloxane envelope.

Alternatively, the drug substance may be dispersed in a suitable amount of hydroxyethyl acrylate subsequently polymerized and cross-linked by the addition of ethylenedimethacrylate, and an oxidizing agent, to yield a 3-dimensional ethylene glycomethacrylate mouldable gel (Hydron).

                  Topical Cream, Vanishing, o/w                                    ______________________________________                                                                  % w/w                                                 3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                              1                                                   Stearic Acid               15                                                  Isopropyl Myristate        2                                                   Sorbitan Monostearate      1.8                                                 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monostearate                                                                     2.3                                                 Propylene Glycol           5                                                   Methylparaben              0.025%                                              Propylparaben              0.015%                                              Purified Water             qs                                                  ______________________________________                                    

                  IM Injections                                                    ______________________________________                                         A.   Oil Type:                                                                      3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                          25       mg                                             BHA, BHT --aa          0.01%    w/v                                            Peanut Oil or Sesame Oil qs                                                                           1.0      ml                                        B.   Suspension Type:                                                               3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                          25       mg                                              micronized                                                                    Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose                                                                         0.5%     w/v                                            Sodium Bisulfite       0.02%    w/v                                            Water for Injection, qs                                                                               1.0      ml                                        ______________________________________                                    

                  Buccal or Sublingual Tablet                                      ______________________________________                                         3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                              1%                                                  Calcium Stearate           1%                                                  Calcium Saccharin          0.02%                                               Granular Mannitol           qs                                                 ______________________________________                                    

                  Powder                                                           ______________________________________                                                                 % w/w                                                  3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                             1                                                     micronized                                                                    Silicon dioxide, anhydrous                                                                               0.5                                                  Corn starch, lactose, fine powder --aa                                                                   qs                                                   ______________________________________                                    

                  Oleaginous Ointment                                              ______________________________________                                                                 % w/w                                                  3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                             1                                                    White wax                 5                                                    White petrolatum qs       100                                                  ______________________________________                                    

                  Absorption Ointment Base                                         ______________________________________                                                                 % w/w                                                  3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                             1                                                    Cholesterol               3                                                    Stearyl alcohol           3                                                    White wax                 8                                                    White petrolatum qs       100                                                  ______________________________________                                    

                  Water Soluble Ointment Base                                      ______________________________________                                                                 % w/w                                                  3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                              1                                                   Polyethylene glycol 4000   40                                                  Polyethylene glycol 400 qs                                                                               100                                                  ______________________________________                                    

                  Paste                                                            ______________________________________                                                                 % w/w                                                  3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                              1                                                   Starch                    25                                                   Zinc oxide                25                                                   White petrolatum qs       100                                                  ______________________________________                                    

The compounds of general Formula I in treating acne or an oily skin condition may be used in combination with other anti-acne preparations, keratolytic agents, antiseptics, or anti-infective agents.

Administration of the compounds of general Formulas I to V to a patient in need thereof in the effective amounts described hereinabove achieves the desired anti-acne and anti-seborrheic effect without the occurrence of certain deleterious side effects reported to occur with the administration of estrogenic agents including uterine growth, thrombotic effects, such as blood clotting, and feminizing effects in males such as gynecomastia and male impotence. Administration of the compounds employed in the present invention in amounts higher than that specified above as an effective amount may result in these deleterious estrogenic side effects.

To demonstrate the anti-acne and anti-seborrheic activity of the compounds employed in the present invention ovariectomized rats which had been implanted with testosterone to induce sebum secretion were treated subcutaneously with 3 μg per day per rat of either estradiol or 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al for 20 days. On the 18th day of treatment the rats were washed to remove lipid secretions from the hair. The amount of lipids secreted in the subsequent 48 hours was determined by the method of Ebling and Skinner, Brit. J. Dermatol. 92, 321-4 (1975). The results are summarized in the following Table I and indicate that 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al was as effective as, if not better than, estradiol in decreasing sebum production.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Anti-Seborrheic Activity                                                                     Dose        Sebum production                                     Treatment     μg/rat/day                                                                              mg/g hair/48 hrs.                                    ______________________________________                                         Testosterone im-                                                                             --          1.38 ± 0.28                                       plant control                                                                  Testosterone im-                                                                             3.0          0.21 ± 0.23*                                     plant plus estradiol                                                           Testosterone implant                                                                         3.0         -0.09 ± 0.25*                                     plus 3,17-dioxo-                                                               androst-4-en-19-al                                                             ______________________________________                                          *Significantly different from control, p<--0.001                         

The data contained in the following Table II indicate that 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al does not bind in vitro with the estrogen receptor of uterine estrogen target tissue. This binding is the first step necessary for hormonal action. To obtain these data female hamsters were ovariectomized and uterine cytosol was prepared 24 to 48 hours post surgery. Concentrations of 4 × 10⁻⁶ to 4 × 10⁻¹⁰ molar were compared for competitive bindings of H³ -estradiol-17β-labeled cytosol receptor sites according to the methods of Leavitt et al., Endocrin. 94, 1041 (1974) and Korenman, J. Clin. Endocrin. and Metab. 28, 127 (1968). The relative binding was compared with estradiol which was equated to 100.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         Uterine Cytosol Affinity                                                                            Relative Estrogen                                         Treatment            Binding Affinity                                          ______________________________________                                         Estradiol            100                                                       Estrone              22                                                        Estriol              10                                                        3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al                                                                        0.01                                                      ______________________________________                                    

The lack of estrogen binding affinity of 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al supports the finding of lack of certain estrogenic side effects of the compounds employed in the present invention.

That the compounds employed in the present invention have no significant uterotrophic effect as compared to estradiol is reflected by the data in the following Table III which were generated from ovariectomized rats treated with 3 μg per rat per day of either estradiol of 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al for 20 days.

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                         Uterotrophic Activity                                                                         Dose         Uterine Wt.                                        Treatment      (μg/rat)  (mg ± S.E.M.)                                   ______________________________________                                         Control        --           33.7 ± 1.7                                      Estradiol      3.0          206.6 ± 8.1*                                    3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-                                                                       3.0          41.1 ± 4.7                                      19-al                                                                          ______________________________________                                          *Significantly different from control; p<--0.01                          

The data contained in Tables I and III demonstrate that 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al has a selective effect on sebum production without a systemic estrogenic effect on uterine weight or vaginal cornification which occurs with estradiol treatment.

It has also been found that the compounds employed in the present invention have to thrombotic potential. For example, 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al was given subcutaneously to ovariectomized albino rats for seven days at either 0.1 or 3.0 mg/kg. Body weight and uterine weights were measured. Blood samples were taken and the effect on thrombotic potential determined through measurements of anti-thrombin III activity, ethanol gel tests, (fibrin monomer level), protamine sulfate test (fibrin degradation products), adenosinediphosphate and collagen induced platelet aggregation. Anti-thrombin activity was not affected nor was increased fibrin monomer or fibrin degradation product level detected. Platelet aggregation was not significantly changed.

Many of the compounds employed in the present invention are known in the art or are commercially available. For example, 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, 17β,19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, 19-hydroxy-17⊕-(1-oxoethoxy)-androst-4-en-3-one, 19-hydroxy-17β-(1-oxobenzyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one and 3-oxo-17β-(1-oxobenzyloxy)androst-4-en-19-al are commercially available.

The esters of the compounds employed in the present invention, that is, compounds wherein either or both of R₁ and R₂ are alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, benzoyl and phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched can be prepared as follows although other methods may also be employed. Ester derivatives of 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione and bis-ester derivatives of 17β,19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one are prepared by reacting the corresponding 19-hydroxy or 17β,19-dihydroxy compound with an appropriate acid anhydride of the formula ##STR7## or acid chloride of the formula ##STR8## wherein R₄ is an alkyl group of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, a cycloalkyl group of from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl or phenylalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched in the presence of a base such as pyridine, quinoline or trialkylamine, such as, triethylamine, which base serves as the solvent, for from 1 to 24 hours at a temperature of from about 25° to 100° C. The appropriate acid anhydride or acid chloride are known in the art or can be prepared from the corresponding acids by procedures well known in the art.

Compounds employed in the present invention wherein R₁ is hydrogen and R₂ forms an ester group are prepared from the above obtained 17β,19-diester derivatives by refluxing the diester with one equivalent of sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or one-half equivalent of sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate or dilute sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution in a lower alcohol solvent such as methanol or ethanol and water for about one hour, the reflux temperature depending on the solvent system employed.

Compounds employed in the present invention wherein R is CHO and R₂ forms an ester group are prepared by dissolving the above obtained compounds wherein R₁ is hydrogen and R₂ forms an ester group in acetone cooled to 0° to 10° C and treating the solution with sufficient Jones reagent to effect the oxidation. Jones reagent is prepared by standard procedures using 26.72 grams of chromium trioxide, 23 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid and water to make 100 ml. The Jones reagent can be added to the solution until the reddish brown color persists which requires about 289 ml. Other oxidizing agents can be used, such as, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in dimethylsulfoxide.

The following specific examples further illustrate the preparation of compounds employed in the instant invention.

EXAMPLE 1 17β,19-Bis(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one

A solution of 10 g of 17β,19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one which is commercially available and 25 ml of propionic anhydride in 200 ml of pyridine is allowed to stand overnight after which 100 ml of ethanol is added, and the reaction mixture is stirred for 1 hour. The mixture is then poured into one liter of water and the solid product is collected by filtration. The solid is dissolved in ether, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The residue is dissolved in hot hexane and allowed to cool yielding 17β,19-bis(1-oxopropoxy)-androst-4-en-3-one. M.P. 82°-84° C.

EXAMPLE 2 17β,19-Dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one

A solution of 150 g of 19-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one in 6 liters of ethanol is cooled in an ice bath. To this cold solution is added 13.5 g of potassium borohydride, and the reaction mixture is stirred for 2 hours at about 0° C after which a second 13.5 g or potassium borohydride is added. Two hours later a third 13.5 g portion of potassium borohydride is added to the reaction mixture which is stirred for an additional one hour then poured into 11 liters of water to which 70 ml of acetic acid is added. The ethanol is distilled off under reduced pressure and the aqueous residue cooled to 0° C. The solid which separates is filtered off, dried and dissolved in 25 liters of hot chloroform after which the temperature is adjusted to 25° C. To the chloroform solution is added 250 g of manganese dioxide, and the mixture is stirred for 2 hours then filtered and the solvents removed under reduced pressure. The solid residue is recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 17β,19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one. M.P. 205°-207° C.

EXAMPLE 3 19-Hydroxy-17β(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one

A solution of 11 g of 17β,19-bis(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one in 2 liters of methanol is treated with 2.5 g of sodium carbonate in 250 ml of water and refluxed for one hour after which the reaction mixture is poured into 10 liters of water, and the solid collected by filtration. The solid is dissolved in methylene chloride, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding 6 g of 19-hydroxy-17β(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one. M.P. 160°-162° C.

EXAMPLE 4 19-Acetoxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione

A solution of 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione in acetic anhydride and pyridine is allowed to stand overnight after which the reaction mixture is poured into ice water. The resulting solid is collected, dried and recrystallized from hexane to give 19-acetoxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 5 19-Acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one

To a solution of 25.6 g of 19-acetoxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione in 4 liters of methanol cooled to 0° C is added 3.1 g of sodium borohydride, and the mixture is stirred at 0° C for 1 hour after which 30 ml of acetic acid is added and the methanol removed under reduced pressure. The resulting residue is taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic layer is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The solid residue is dissolved in 2 liters of chloroform treated with 125 g of manganese dioxide and stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue is chromatagraphed on alumina using benzene-ether (1:1) as the eluant. The product is recrystallized from acetone-hexane to give 19-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, M.P. 125°-127° C.

EXAMPLE 6 19-Hydroxy-17β(2'-tetrahydropyranyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one

To a solution of 10 g of 19-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one in 300 ml of dihydropyran is added a small crystal of p-toluene sulfonic acid. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand overnight after which it is dissolved in ether and extracted with dilute sodium bicarbonate. The ether layer is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The resulting residue is dissovled in 2 liters of methanol and 2.5 go of sodium bicarbonate in 250 ml of water is added. The methanol solution is refluxed for one hour after which the solvent is removed under reduced pressure at 40° C. The residue is covered with water, and the solid crude product collected and recrystallized from ethylacetate yielding 19-hydroxy-17β(2'-tetrahydropyranyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one. M.P. 193°-199° C.

EXAMPLE 7 3-Oxo-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-19-al

A solution of 7 g of 19-hydroxy-17β-(2'-tetrahydropyranyloxy)androst-4-en-3-one in 500 ml of acetone is cooled to 10° C and 5.3 ml of Jones reagent is added dropwise. The reaction is stirred for an additional 10 minutes then poured into water and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethylacetate extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue is dissolved in 250 ml of 95% ethanol and 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloridic acid is added. The ethanol solution is refluxed for one hour then cooled to room temperature and neutralized with solid sodium carbonate. The neutralized solution is diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed leaving a residue which is chromatagraphed on alumina using 25% ether in benzene as the eluant to give the product 3-oxo-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-19-al, M.P. 125°-127° C.

EXAMPLE 8 19-(1-Adamantanylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

A solution of 22 g of 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, 18 g of 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid chloride, and 29 ml of pyridine in 2.2 liters of toluene is refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture is cooled, and the toluene layer is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered then the solvent is removed. The resulting residue is crystallized from methanol to give 19-(1-adamantanylcarbonyloxy)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, M.P. 161°-163° C.

EXAMPLE 9 3,17-Dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al

To a solution of 30 g of 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione in 3 liters of acetone cooled in an ice bath is added 28 ml of Jones reagent over a one hour period. The reaction mixture is stirred for an additional fifteen minutes, filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure at 35° C. The residue is taken up in a large volume of ether and 1.5 liters of water. The ether layer is collected, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al, M.P. 126°-129° C.

EXAMPLE 10 3-Oxo-17β-(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-19-al

To a solution of 14 g of 19-hydroxy-17β-(1-oxopropoxy)androst-4-en-3-one in 1 liter of acetone cooled in an ice bath is added 13.3 ml of Jones reagent over one hour after which the reaction mixture is poured into a large volume of water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 3-oxo-17β(1-oxopropoxy)-androst-4-en-19-al, M.P. 119°-121° C. 

We claim:
 1. A method of treating acne and oily skin in a patient in need thereof which comprises administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR9## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 3.0 mg/kg.
 3. In method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 1.0 mg/kg.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.001% to 5% of the compound.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.005% to 1% of the compound.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein R is --CHO.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the compound is 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein R is --CH₂ OR₁.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the compound is 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein R₁ is alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched.
 13. A method of treating acne in a patient in need thereof which comprises administering to said patient an anti-acne effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR10## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenyalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 3.0 mg/kg.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 1.0 mg/kg.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.001% to 5% of the compound.
 19. The method of claim 13 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.005% to 1% of the compound.
 20. The method of claim 13 wherein R is --CHO. 0.005% to 1% of the compound.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the compound is 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al.
 22. The method of claim 13 wherein R is --CH₂ OR₁.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the compound is 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein R₁ is alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched.
 25. A method of treating oily skin in a patient in need thereof which comprises administering to said patient an anti-seborrheic amount of a compound of the forumla: ##STR11## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 3.0 mg/kg.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered orally in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg.
 28. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.01 up to 1.0 mg/kg.
 29. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered parenterally in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg.
 30. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.001% to 5% of the compound.
 31. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered as a topical preparation containing from 0.005% to 1% of the compound.
 32. The method of claim 25 wherein R is --CHO.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the compound is 3,17-dioxoandrost-4-en-19-al.
 34. The method of claim 25 wherein R is --CH₂ OR₁.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the compound is 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione.
 36. The method of claim 34 wherein R₁ is alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched.
 37. An anti-acne and anti-seborrheic pharmaceutical composition in the form of an ointment for topical administration comprising an anti-acne effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR12## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 38. An anti-acne and anti-seborrheic pharmaceutical composition in the form of a cream for topical administration comprising an anti-acne effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR13## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 39. An anti-acne and anti-seborrheic pharmaceutical composition in the form of a paste for topical administration comprising an anti-acne effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR14## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonylwherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 40. An anti-acne and anti-seborrheic pharmaceutical composition in the form of a gel for topical administration comprising an anti-acne effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR15## wherein R is --CHO or --CH₂ OR₁ ; each of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkyl carbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R₃ is hydrogen; or R₂ and R₃ together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 